In Memoir, Mike Piazza Spins Tales and Denies Using Steroids — As balloting for the Baseball Hall of Fame geared up earlier this winter, rumors began to circulate about why the release of Mike Piazza's book was being pushed back to February, a month after the voting would be concluded and the final results tabulated.

Why Mets Can Win This Year (Seriously) — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla.—The Mets won 74 games last year, their splashiest off-season move involved trading the reigning Cy Young winner for prospects and they play in perhaps baseball's strongest division. This doesn't look like an organization that expects to seriously compete in 2013.

Wheeler & Harvey providing the early heat — PORT ST. LUCIE — Zack Wheeler followed Matt Harvey yesterday in a short bullpen session, perhaps a sign of things to come for the Mets' Future Aces. — Manager Terry Collins set it up so Wheeler lockers next to Harvey to soak up advice on the path to the majors.

Yanks discuss contract extension with Cano — NEW YORK — Managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said on Friday that the Yankees have spoken with second baseman Robinson Cano about a contract extension. — “There's been a conversation or two,” Steinbrenner told reporters in Tampa …

David Prouty steps up for MLB Players Association — The inspiration of Major League Baseball Players Association executive director Michael Weiner is felt by anyone who works in his office. It is certainly not lost on David Prouty, who will assume part of Weiner's duties for one of the most powerful unions in the country.

Orioles near multi-year extension with O'Day — The Orioles reached agreements with pitchers Jim Johnson and Jason Hammel on one-year contracts earlier tonight, and they're close to a multi-year extension with reliever Darren O'Day, according to industry sources. — The deal is “all but done,” according to one source.

Kap: Mark Prior wants one more shot — Former Cubs star Mark Prior, who has battled injuries since his breakout 2003 season is looking to give baseball one more try. — Sources with knowledge of the situation have confirmed to me that Prior is working out in San Diego with the express purpose …

Epstein: Cubs believe Marmol is innocent — Closer's lawyer, agent say he'll be ready for start of spring training — MESA, Ariz. — After a judge in the Dominican Republic sent the domestic abuse case against Carlos Marmol to a higher court Friday, Cubs president Theo Epstein said he believes his closer will be exonerated.

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